Flashlight fan



y 6, 1952 J. E. PQPOVICH 2,595,406

FLASHLIGHT FAN Filed Sept. 9, 1948 50 I8 y 7Q 40 36' I 45 F/'g./. 20 30John E. Popow'ch IN VENTOR.

Patented May 6, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FLASHLIGHT FAN John E.Popovich, Oakland, Calif.

Application September 9, 1948, Serial No. 48,484

4 Claims. (Cl. 230-259) This invention relates to novel and usefulimprovements in attachments for use with-conventional flashlightcasings; batteries, switch contacts, and elements.

An object of this invention is to supply a purely conventionalflashlight casing, switch, switch contacts, flashlight batteries, etc.with an attachment whereby it may be converted into a pockettype fan.

Another object of this invention is to replace the reflector and lensassembly along with the collar normally associated therewith at an endof a conventional flashlight with an attachment, substituting a motor,air impeller and threaded collar, whereby quick and ready conversionfrom a flashlight to a fan may be effected.

Another object of this invention is to provide an extremely simplifieddevice of the character to be described which is commercially feasible,practical and inexpensive.

Ancillary objects and features of novelty will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art, in following the description of the preferred formof the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is an elevational side View of the preferred form of theinvention, portions being broken away in section to illustrate detailsof construction;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 2-2 ofFigure 1 and in the direction of the arrows; and

Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the attachmentassociated with a conventional flashlight casing fragment.

Ready attachment and detachment is one of the prime features of thepresent invention. Further, the adaptability of the devicecharacterizing the invention to conventional flashlight casings andmechanisms is of great importance. Any flashlight of conventionaldescription presently owned by individuals may be converted to aflashlight type fan by removal of the collar maintaining the lens, lampand reflector from.

the flashlight casing and the substitution of the collar, motor and airimpeller forming the major portion of the assembly of the instantattachment.

Referring to the drawings, it is seen that a conventional flashlightcasing I is provided with a conventional switch [2, as well as a pair ofconventional switch contacts l4 and 16, one being stationary while theother is slidable with the switch I2.

Normally, these contents would engage the reflector and lamp of aconventional flashlight. However, in Figure 1, it is readily appreciatedthat they are in engagement with a motor casing and a contact 20 inorder to supply energy from the battery (unshown) in the casing IEI.

A collar 22 is supplied with internal threads at 24 which arecomplemental to the threads 26, normally found adjacent flashlight endopenings. The threads 26 are used for the purpose of retaining theunshown conventional lens and reflector retaining collars in place inthe usual flashlight structure.

In order to maintain the motor IS in the proper position, a partition 28is formed integral or rigidly secured to the collar 22 and has a centralopening (unnumbered) therein. This central opening accommodates theshaft 39 of the said motor l8, which shaft has a conventional smallsizeair impeller or blade 32 attached thereto by any suitable means such asthe nuts 34.

The said partition 28 is also utilized for the purpose of supporting thebolts 36 which are, in turn, secured to suitable bosses 46 attached tothe motor l8. This, of course, mounts the motor on the partition.

A closure 46 having a number of openings 48 therein is attached to theforward end of the collar 22 by means of a ring-type recess 50 formed inthe said collar 22. The closure 46 is simply slipped into place, relyinon the resiliency of the material to maintain it in the proper location.Of course, this closure 46 may be obviated if it is found desirable ormay be attached in any suitable manner. Further, it is within thepurview of the invention to utilize a screen or other foraminous memberin lieu of the closure 46.

On the upstream side of the blade or impeller 32 and formed in thecollar 22 is a number of air inlet openings or passages 52 which areinclined with relation to the shaft 32. These openings are used as airinlets, the partition blocking airflow from within the casing. The angleof inclination of the openings 52 is proper, since the axis of eachopening, if projected forwardly, would strike the blade or air impeller32 at substantially seventy-five per cent chord, which is the mostefficient part of the fan blade. By this medium, air is pulled directlythrough the opening 52 in a direction whereby it will contact withoutsubstantial circulation within the collar 32, the most eflicient portionof the blade 32. Maximum traction of air is thus produced.

While there has been described and shown but one form of the invention,it is apparent that variations may be made without departing from thespirit thereof. Accordingly, limitation is sought only in accordancewith the scope of the following claims.

Having described the claimed as new is:

1. In combination with a flashlight housing having a threaded openingand switch contacts, a fan attachment comprising a collar having threadsadapted to be detachably secured to the threaded housing opening, amotor, means separating said collar into a motor chamber and a fan bladechamber and attached to said collar supporting said motor in the motorchamber for operative connection with the switch contacts, a fan bladelocated in the blade chamber and disposed within said collar anddrivingly connected with said motor, and said collar having air inletopenings upstream of said air impeller, intermediate the front and backends of said collar and in the blade chamber. I

2. The combination of claim 1 and said motor supporting means comprisinga partition in said collar with fastening elements carried by saidpartition.

3. The combination of claim 2 and an apertured protective cover mountedin said collar.

invention, What is 4. In a casing having a switch and an openingtherein, a collar detachably secured in communication with said opening,a partition in said collar, a motor supported by said partition andhaving a shaft, a fan blade secured to said shaft and disposed withinsaid collar, air inlet passages in said collar angularly inclined withrespect to the axis of the shaft, and the projected axis of the passagesintersecting the blade intermediate the hub and the tips thereof.

JOHN E. POPOVICH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,108,053 Wiwi Aug. 18, 19141,473,045 Puttaert, et al Nov. 6, 1923 1,504,003 Trumbull Aug. 5, 19242,245,015 Sibal June 10, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date223,834 Switzerland 1942

